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New Jersey fines data center $1.1M after drone pics expose 62 gas generators
Ars Technica • • business
Key Points:
- New Jersey fined DataOne $1.1 million for secretly operating 45 unpermitted gas generators at one of the East Coast’s largest planned data centers, violating the state’s Air Pollution Control Act.
- The generators, running at nearly 2,000 kW each, emitted harmful pollutants like carbon dioxide and nitrogen oxides, raising health concerns among local residents about air quality and pollution exposure.
- DataOne was given 45 days to apply for permits but can continue operating the generators during this period, a move criticized by environmental groups as insufficient enforcement.
- Residents and local activists expressed distrust toward DataOne, citing ongoing noise and pollution issues, delayed regulatory response, and the company’s history of prioritizing operations over community well-being.
- In response to public backlash, New Jersey recently ended data center tax credits, signaling increased scrutiny of such projects, while groups like Sustain SJ call for a statewide moratorium on new data center developments until transparency and community input improve.
